Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos

Elder Epiphanios was asked: “Many Christians maintain that psychiatric illnesses are due to demonic influence and, with this viewpoint, they reject the use of psychiatric medicines. What do you have to say about this position?” “A certain percentage and, furthermore, a small percentage of ‘psychiatric patients’ are really possessed. The majority, however, of psychiatric patients are not possessed nor are ... Read More »

Elder Epiphanios was asked: “Are Christians allowed to take psychiatric medicines? Because many maintain that anxiety, depression, melancholy and, in general, psychiatric disorders of the soul are healed only with spiritual life: that is, with prayer, going to church, confession, Holy Communion, etc.” “When necessary, the Christian must also take them.” “But what can these medications do to the soul ... Read More »

Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos was asked: “Elder, it is known that a percentage of psychiatrists considers continence during a young age as a cause of psychiatric illnesses. What can we answer them?” He answered: “This viewpoint of theirs is mistaken and the explanation for this is very simple. All those who visit the psychiatrist are ill. No one who is healthy ... Read More »

By Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos This Saturday (Saturday of the fifth week of the Great Lent) we chant the Akathist Hymn during Matins. In our days however this does not happen except in the holy monasteries, since in the parishes it is chanted the evening before, on Friday during the Small Compline. The Akathist Hymn is a “Kontakion”. In olden times ... Read More »